change in laying location - how to get back to the nest box??!

[miche]

I have 4 one year old hens, mixed breeds. They have been great about using our 2 nest boxes until about a month ago. First we had the golden wyandotte go broody, and after 2 days in the wire jail cell she rejoined the flock, giving up on hogging a box.

Sadly damage has been done, and no one will use the nest boxes now. I find the eggs on the floor of the coop, in the run next to their ramp, and in the black composter they get to play in.

It isn't such a big deal right now, but once it gets cold (we're in Wisconsin) I don't want to be hunting for eggs or having them freeze.

Any ideas? I'm putting in golf balls today.

thanks!
miche

 

[jayde88]

This happens sometimes... especially after broodies. If one lays somewhere, all of them do.
My reccomendation is to get some plastic easter eggs and put them in nest boxes. You may want to put several in one nest box then the hens will think that that all the hens are laying there so they better, too. Don't forget to put new straw in the nest boxes frequently.
Mess up all their favorite laying spots. If there is one corner they like to lay in a lot, chances are there is a nest in the bedding from where they sit to lay the eggs. Mess up the nest and put new bedding over top.

I hope this helps! Good luck getting your hens to lay in the nest boxes!

 

[cmom]

I put golf balls in my nest boxes. They also prefer certain nest boxes.

 

[Danceswithchicks]

Set a golf ball where you want your hens to lay. This should work.

 

[miche]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll post back how they're doing!